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The Best Beauty Buys If You’re On A Budget

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at LIM chapter.

If you’re anything like me, there has been a point in your life where you seriously debated whether it was more important to buy the new contour kit that just came out, or buy groceries. Even if you don’t like to admit it, I know we’ve all thought it. Being a college student is hard, especially a college student in New York City where everything is even more expensive. When I started my freshman year of college I really had to learn how to budget my money, which is extremely hard, especially if you’re a makeup junkie like myself. I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of a few products that are affordable and accessible to my fellow makeup lovers on a budget.

For Eyes Try Morphe

Don’t want to spend a fortune on a Naked Palette? Morphe Palettes are a lifesaver. Most of the pro palettes come with over 20 shades and you’ll only end up spending between $20-$25. You can find neutral colors, matte colors, shimmery colors, and even pretty wild colors. If you’re looking for a specific color, they probably have it.

Pro-Tip: Use the code MANNYMUA for 10% off your purchase!

 

Add Some Color To Those Luscious Lips with Colourpop

Now, don’t get me wrong I love the Kylie Jenner lip kits as much as the next person, but I can’t always drop $40 on a liquid lipstick and a lip liner. Try Colourpop instead! Colourpop is a UK makeup brand that is known for their lip products. Most of their liquid or velvet lip products will cost you between $6-8. That’s practically a steal! The best part of these liquid lipsticks is that they won’t dry out your lips!

E.L.F Will Cover You For Eyes, Lips AND Face

E.L.F is definitely an underrated brand. E.L.F has a wide range of products that will have most of your makeup needs covered. Their products are super affordable and personally, I think they have a lot of great options. These products are easily accessible too; you can find them at Target or any Drugstore.

No Brushes? Never Fear BH Cosmetics Is Here

BH Cosmetics is one of my longtime favorite brands. I use their brushes daily. They have a ton of brush kits on their website, some for less than $20! That’s a steal compared to the price of = other kits on the market. Some of my personal favorite brushes from BH Cosmetics are their face brushes. They are so big and fluffy, the perfect type of bristles for your face.

 

You Don’t Have To Be A Professional To Use NYX

NYX cosmetics have excellent products at a very affordable price. They recently opened up a New York City NYX location in Union Square, and I’m telling you I’m afraid to walk in because I know I will want to buy everything! One of my favorite products is their lipstick. Their matte lipsticks will cost you anywhere between $3.99-5.99. So, if you’re not looking to spend $17 on a MAC lipstick, NYX has you covered.

 

I hope next time you’re browsing in Sephora, Ulta or even the makeup aisles of any drugstore you think of this article. All these brands are my personal favorites when I am low on cash and looking to buy some new products. Happy shopping!

I am a third year student at LIM College studying Marketing with a concentration in cosmetics. I currently intern for ELLE Magazine and I love taking aesthetically pleasing pictures for my instagram! Follow me here: @niicoleheaney
Casey Miller is a graduate student studying Fashion Marketing at LIM College. While living New York City she has interned for two national magazines as well as womenswear designer Christian Siriano. She also runs her own blog and is a digital influencer for Cosmopolitan Magazine's Social Patrol. For all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle check out her blog www.frombeginningtotrend.com.